Latino Daily News

Uruguay’s Suarez Says He’ll Play in Rio Despite Recent Surgery

Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez left a hospital in this capital Thursday in a wheelchair after undergoing minor surgery on his left knee, but he appeared in good spirits and promised his countrymen that he would be ready to compete in the World Cup.

The star of the Uruguayan national team - and of English club Liverpool, where he scored 31 goals to lead the Premier League - has already returned to his home in Montevideo.

Before departing the hospital, Suarez told his countrymen not to worry because he will be ready for soccer’s premier showcase, which starts on June 12.

“I’m doing great and I’ll be running soon. Thank you to everyone and don’t worry because I’ll be there,” Suarez said in an e-mail message to a Uruguay reporter, who posted the player’s response on his Twitter account.

Suarez, 27, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, according to Uruguay’s soccer federation, which said it has not ruled Suarez out of the World Cup in Brazil.

Uruguay has been drawn in Group D, which also includes Italy, England and Costa Rica.